Abu Dhabi to host WTCS 2026 alongside the World Multisport Triathlon Championships

Juan José Saldaña
July 20, 2026

Abu Dhabi will once again take center stage on the international triathlon calendar in 2026 by hosting both the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) and the World Multisport Triathlon Championships. Hudayriyat Island will welcome the world’s top triathletes, along with thousands of age-group, under-23, junior, elite, and paratriathlon athletes, from November 13 to 22, in an event designed to combine the highest level of competition with an inclusive sporting experience for the entire triathlon community.

The decision by World Triathlon to bring both competitions together at a single venue represents an important step for the sport’s growth. In addition to offering Olympic qualification points and World Ranking points, WTCS Abu Dhabi will be held alongside six disciplines of the World Multisport Championships, creating an environment where amateur athletes and international elite stars will compete side by side for more than a week at one of the region’s most modern sports complexes.

WTCS will share the stage with the largest multisport triathlon gathering

WTCS Abu Dhabi, which was rescheduled from its original March date, will kick off on November 13 and 14 with the individual sprint-distance races and the traditional mixed relay event. The World Multisport Championships will then begin, crowning world champions in duathlon, cross triathlon, cross duathlon, aquathlon, long-distance triathlon, and aquabike, bringing together athletes from dozens of countries for ten days of intense competition.

Organizers emphasized that this integrated format will allow age-group athletes to compete on the same stage as the world’s leading triathletes, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the sport. World Triathlon President Antonio F. Arimany praised the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in making this format possible, noting that bringing together competitors of all levels creates a unique experience for both those pursuing a world title and those attending their first international championship.

Hudayriyat strengthens its position as one of the world’s premier triathlon venues

The selection of Hudayriyat Island reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to establishing itself as one of the world’s leading sports destinations. In addition to hosting the competitions, the venue offers beaches, tourism infrastructure, world-class sports facilities, and recreational spaces that will enhance the experience for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. Among its main attractions are Surf Abu Dhabi, the future Abu Dhabi Velodrome, and a parallel program featuring community activities and entertainment.

WTCS Abu Dhabi will also carry additional sporting significance by awarding Olympic qualification points and World Triathlon Ranking points, alongside the circuit’s traditional prize money. Meanwhile, registration for the World Multisport Triathlon Championships remains open, and anticipation continues to grow for an event that will bring together thousands of participants in a single destination, reflecting the sustained growth of triathlon and the increasing commitment to bringing elite competition closer to the global sporting community.